We are already moving through this beautiful season of Advent! And my heart keeps coming back to Christmas Eve and the blessing it will be to gather as one family of faith. On one hand, Advent is our way of slowing down a little, catching our breath, and remembering that God keeps coming into our lives in ways we don’t always expect. But this year, Advent also feels like the road that is leading us into something deeply meaningful for both Crosswicks and Groveville.
On the other hand, I am so excited that we will celebrate Christmas Eve with two joint services. Even though each one will take place in a different sanctuary, they are truly shared moments. People from both churches will read Scripture, help with the liturgy, and bring their presence to each service. It will be one community celebrating Christ who comes to us with hope, peace, joy, and love.
Our first service will be at Crosswicks at 7 pm. I imagine it full of warmth and candlelight, families and friends coming together, and that beautiful sense of Christmas wonder that fills the sanctuary every year. Later that night, at 11 pm, Groveville will host a solemn and more contemplative service.
There is something very special about welcoming Christmas morning in prayer and singing, knowing that God meets us even in the stillness.
As we continue moving through the Sundays of Advent, each candle we light reminds us that Christ is already walking with us. Hope last week. Peace this week. Joy and Love ahead. All of them lead us to the night when the Christ Candle will shine in both our churches, in one shared celebration.
I hope you feel welcome to come to whichever service fits your evening. And if you feel curious or inspired, you can even come to both! Either way, I know we will feel the presence of Christ in our midst and the joy of being one body.
I look forward to seeing you during the next Sundays of Advent, our Tree Lighting, and Christmas Eve, as we welcome the Holy Night together.
Warmly,
Rev. David A Gaitan
